1989 Renault 5 review from UK and Ireland

- Radiator split in two.

- Electrical and fuse problems.

- Constantly replacing parts on the front end.

- Drive shaft had to be replaced.

- Fuel cap snapped off in my hand.

- The ventilation fan broke (twice)

- Sun roof leaking.

- And many more adventures.

For a 1.4 engine, it runs pretty well. It's anything but slow in the city. 1st gear 0-40, 2nd gear 40-80. Once you get out of the city and try to overtake it feels like trying to push a donkey off a cliff. Above 80 Km/h it has an acceleration (if you can call it that) similar to a cheetah with arthritis. Very economical engine. 8 L/100Km city and 6L/100Km highway. It's not bad for off road too. The car is very high and the thin tires have no problem dealing with mud or snow.

The build quality is absolutely stunning. In a bad way. The creaking, squeaking and clonking you have to put up with while driving is simply a hell on Earth. There is no way to fix it, as once you have fixed one squeak, another one replaces it. Over 30 Km/h it sounds like you are in a fighter jet. The wind and tire noise make it hard for you to hear your own thoughts. Sometimes it feels like whatever you touch breaks off in your hands. Handles, buttons, seat levers etc.

If you buy this car, be prepared to spend the same amount of money you paid for it every year on repairs.